What is the expected duration of action for ketamine?

Ketamine is known for its rapid onset and a duration of action that typically falls within the 10-20 minute range when used for procedural sedation or as an anesthetic agent. This timeframe can vary slightly depending on the route of administration and the dosage but generally aligns with the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug.

When administered intravenously, ketamine usually begins to take effect within minutes, providing a dissociative anesthesia that can last around 10-20 minutes. This duration is advantageous in various emergency medical situations, allowing for brief and effective sedation without the prolonged effects seen with other agents.

The rapid recovery from ketamine's effects is also a key reason it is favored in acute care settings, as patients can regain consciousness and return to baseline functionality relatively quickly compared to longer-acting anesthetics.